Page 4 of Only for the Season

“I tried. He’s not answering his phone.”

She digs into the pocket of her apron. She pulls a measuring spoon, pastry brush, and sifter out before shouting, “Aha!” and flourishing her phone. She puts the phone on speaker before dialing.

“Hey, Parker. What’s up?” Eli answers.

“Your so-called friend is here and he can’t find your house.”

He groans. “You know what to do.”

“Gotcha.” She hangs up.

I smile at her. “Directions, please.”

She smirks. “Sure. You drive out of town for about a mile and turn right at the mermaid statue.”

I groan. She’s sending me on a wild goose chase. The same way the sheep herder did.

“What is wrong with the people on this island?”

“Maybe you should leave the island and then you won’t have to deal with us.” With those words, she pivots on her heel and marches away.

I bury my face in my hands. Why did I think visiting Eli would help me get over my coder’s block? Things aren’t looking up after all.

Chapter 2

Parker – a baker who is beginning to hate the smell of pumpkin pie

Parker

Aknock on the back door of the bakery startles me awake.

“Go away,” I shout. “I’m not giving you directions.”

I lay my head back on the table. I just need a few more minutes of sleep and then I’ll get back to baking. I promise.

“Parker. It’s me. Holly.”

I groan. So much for getting a few more minutes of sleep. Holly works the counter in the bakery. If she’s here, it’s time to open up.

My back and knees crack as I stand and make my way to the door. I open it and usher Holly inside before locking it again.

I usually keep the door open during the day, but with some weirdo wandering around town trying to find Eli, I don’tdare. It’s not the first time a reporter has come to Smuggler’s Hideaway to find Eli. Eli’s a billionaire who co-foundedApparoo– a tech company – and ownsBuccaneer’s Whiskey & Distillery.

The media is fascinated by him. His fiancée, Paisley, just had a baby and the gossip magazines are willing to pay big bucks for a picture of baby Stephanie. Not on my watch.

“Geez, boss lady, did you fall asleep while baking again?” Holly brushes flour off my face while giggling.

“Today is Thanksgiving. Everyone and their uncle ordered some kind of pie for their holiday dinner.”

Thank the mermaids. Business hasn’t been great since a chain coffee shop opened up on the boardwalk two years ago. I could use some extra income to get me through the winter months when the tourism on the island slows to a crawl.

“My parents are pissed at me for working today.”

I frown. Shit. I didn’t think about Holly missing Thanksgiving with her family to work today. I avoid my family as much as possible. There won’t be a Shaw family Thanksgiving to attend.

At least I don’t live at home with them anymore. Talk about uncomfortable. I used to live in the loft above the bakery, but then I had it renovated to rent out to tourists. I can’t afford to miss the income from the rent, so I moved back home for a while.

Now I have my own place. Well, not exactly my own since I have a roommate. And it’s not what anyone would call a ‘nice’ place, but it’s free of my parents and their judginess.